August 26, 2025
The South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, has signed new regulations to control offshore ship-to-ship (STS) fuel transfers in South African waters.
The rules, published under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, prohibit STS operations within marine protected areas, aquaculture zones and within three nautical miles of the coastline.
According to local reports, the regulations also introduce strict conditions related to weather, pollution control, wildlife monitoring and crew training. Additionally, specific restrictions have been placed on operations in Algoa Bay, including seasonal limits and designated anchorage zones to protect sensitive marine habitats.
Operators are now required to deploy hydrophone systems to monitor marine mammals and closely observe African Penguins, with mandatory reporting of any wildlife sightings or incidents. As stated, immediate response plans for oiled or injured animals must also be in place.
Furthermore, all crew members must undergo environmental awareness training and the new rules require operators to submit independent Environmental Management Plans addressing site-specific risks, which must be approved by the Minister.
Minister Dion George warned that “non-compliance will be met with firm penalties: fines of up to R2 million (approximately 113,000 USD), imprisonment for up to five years, or both.”
